Car Fule

Talk to a Frenchman about the Clio, it’s like discussing Polo with a German. Everyone knows this car, has memories with it, and knows at least one person who owns one! A small, compact and agile city car, the Clio was to take up the torch of R5 and Superfive ! That of providing city and long-distance journeys in a way economic. The Clio 1 was released in 1990, followed by Clio 2 in 1998. This second opus will definitively establish the model reputationstill in production today, and now in its fifth generation. Today, we return to the Clio 4, that is to say the one sold between 2012 and 2019. Here are the main engines available at its launch, as well as the problems that this generation can frequently encounter.

A truly versatile city car

In gasoline as in diesel, the Clio 4 offered a very large number of different engines and variants. In entry-level gasoline, it started with a 1.2l atmospheric block of 75 horsepower, supported by a 0.9l turbo of 90 horsepower. Two more vigorous blocks followed: a 1.2 TCe of 110 horsepower, and a 1.6 turbo with 200 horsepower. In diesel, we found only the famous and proven bloc 1.5 DCi. It was available in three configurations, from 75, 90 or 110 horsepower. So, are these different engines reliable? What are the recurring malfunctions that can be found on the Clio 4?

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The most common problems on the Renault Clio 4:

• Suspension : Silent blocks may show signs of premature wear. This can cause unpleasant body squeaks and vibrations. Unfortunately, there is no miracle solution, apart from replacing them.
• 1.2 TCe engine: This is one of Renault’s worst blocks in terms of reliability! The 1.2 TCe is subject to overconsumption of oil on all the models where it is installed. This of course also applies to our Clio city car! Despite reprogramming carried out by Renault, the problem reappears frequently. Run away from this block!
• EDC automatic transmission: The automatic dual-clutch gearbox may experience jerks or even blockages when changing gears.
• Air conditioner : Cases of air conditioning compressor breakage have been reported on the Clio IV, even with a model that has only traveled a few tens of thousands of kilometres.
• Interface R-Link : R-Link, the Renault infotainment interface frequently encounters bugs. Display, sensitivity and fluidity. A concern that can be resolved by an update in the workshop.
• Interior: The plastics are of poor quality, they can scratch or even break easily. This is all the more true for the fins of aerators!

How much can I sell my Renault Clio IV for?

Knowing these hiccups in reliability and the problems that can result from them, we advise you not to sell your petrol Clio after 150,000 kilometres. So that it keeps an attractive call price, and also prevents the appearance of more serious problems! In diesel the thing is different because the block 1.5 DCi is of an excellent longevity. These copies can go well beyond 200,000 kilometers.